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A social revolt is a collective act of defiance against conditions perceived as unjust within the dominant social order. This may involve efforts to overthrow the structures of society in their entirety, or, more modestly, to reform or modify them. Social revolts have occurred throughout human history, with significant variation in their origins, ideologies, aims, organizational strategies, intensity, and duration. They are at least partially composed of politically and economically weak members of society, although more powerful groups often play an important role. The primary methods are noninstitutional, including strikes, land seizures, demonstrations, riots, mutinies, protests, rebellions, mass mobilizations, and insurrections. Theories of political behavior are typically concerned with identifying what constitutes revolt and revolution, and explaining why and how these events occur. This entry ...